Haverfordwest’s new mayor promised to seek out organisations and individuals intent on working towards a prosperous county town, at a mayoral dinner to celebrate his inauguration last week.

Councillor Roy Thomas received his chains of office at Bethesda Baptist church on Thursday, May 15. This is his third time as mayor, he has served on the council for the last 16 years.

“I aim to lo look out for those intent on building stepping stones and seek their help an support in achieving my ambition to leave office in a town that has advanced in those twelve months,” he said.

Cllr Thomas called on the both town and county councils, the college and the chamber of commerce to work together to affect change that they would not be able to bring about individually and “combine their considerable talents” in the 4C Initiative.

The new mayor also called for a proactive and harmonious town council.

“This means less talking, less personality conflicts and more doing,” he said.

“We need to communicate more effectively with the general public, ensure that councillors lead and not be led and encourage our young people to make a useful contribution to their community.”

“I realise that ambitions are only achieved by people,” said Cllr Thomas, “and it is the quality of the people around me that will be important if any of those ambitions are fulfilled during my year in office.”

The mayor also named his two charities as the Haverfordwest branch of Arthritis Care and Forget me Knot, a local self-help group for sufferers of dementia and their families.

Out-going mayor Councillor Jackie Westrup thanked her fellow councillors in her final speech as mayor.

“Reflecting on my on my year I have had the privilege of meeting many inspirational people, and visited places you ordinarily wouldn’t know existed,” she said.

Cllr Westrup said that the highlights of her term in office had been the royal visit and presenting soldiers from the 14 Signal Regiment with their service medals.